PRESIDENT of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), Joseph M Matalon has placed in the hands of his attorneys, what he claims are damaging remarks made abut him by former prime minister Edward Seaga.

In a news release yesterday from the PSOJ, Matalon alleged that remarks by Seaga about statements he made on the operation in West Kingston had damaged his reputation and endangered his personal security.

"Mr Matalon categorically denies making any comment that would suggest that the loss of life or alleged human rights abuses was a small price to pay," the news release said.

A total of 76 persons, including two policeman and a soldier, died during last week's joint police/military operation in Tivoli Gardens. Members of the security forces had gone into the area to serve an arrest warrant on West Kingston don Christopher 'Dudus' Coke and to restore order to the community, which was heavily barricaded by gunmen loyal to Coke. However, Coke managed to evade them and is now on the run.